Gov. Blagojevich brings Opportunity Returns to Southwestern Illinois. His unprecedented regional economic development plan encourages entrepreneurship, upgrades local transportation, emphasizes educational nd job training, and promotes tourism in innovative efforts to create jobs and spark economic growth throughout the region.

"Opportunity to work, earn a living, to support a family," were cited by the Governor. "Our plan is neither a big government promise to fix everything nor is it a tiny band-aid for a seriously wounded economy. Instead these initiatives are rageted investments; to connect our supply of economic assets with demand around the world."

Opportunity Returns for Southwestern Illinois consists of 5 primary goals to address the economic and workforce development needs of the region, supporting and modernizing local businesses, and expanding regional infrastructure, investing in education, job training and technology, increasing the use of coal and renewable energy, and promoting tourism and heritage.